Australia — United States Climate, Energy and Water Nexus Project

Responding to climate change and sustaining freshwater resources are two of the greatest challenges facing society, and they are not mutually independent. To different degrees all forms of energy draw on water in their production, and so climate policy choices between different sources of energy have considerable implications for water. The Australia — United States Climate, Energy and Water Nexus Project (AUSCEW) is a three-year collaboration between the US Studies Centre and the Australian National University (ANU), which aims to identify the links between climate, energy and water policies to avoid perverse impacts and favour mutually beneficial solutions across sectors.

Through its Dow Sustainability Program, the US Studies Centre brings together academic and policy experts from Australia and the US to develop action-oriented solutions to a range of sustainability challenges concerning energy, water, food and biodiversity. The ANU is driven by its mission to advance the cause of learning and research in Australia. Through the ANU Water Initiative it is undertaking research and communications on the nexus between climate, energy and water policies.

The energy-water nexus provides an insightful example of the challenges and opportunities that exist for better cross-sectoral governance by businesses and governments, in order to develop more sustainable communities. AUSCEW focuses on identifying examples of good practices from industry, government and academia in Australia and the United States, then synthesizing and sharing this information to better inform decision-makers in business and government. Ultimately, we will identify and communicate decision-making tools to avoid perverse cross-sectoral impacts and promote co-benefits for a more sustainable society.

More information on the climate-energy-water nexus, including resources, links and events in Australia and the United States, can be found at the AUSCEW website.

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